The Ojai Valley School art department is under new management thanks to one very ambitious mother. She has experience, desire, and most of all, passion when it comes to all art forms.
Mandy Beverly is no stranger to the Upper Campus. Her sons, Angus and Jack, have both made their marks on the OVS community through academics, athletics, and the art department.
Mrs. Beverly has produced and written numerous plays and musicals for the school, including last year’s “Utopia in America,” which was popular among both students and faculty. She now takes over an even larger piece of the new and improved OVS art department.
“I was very intrigued when I heard that [the position] was open,” said Mrs. Beverly. “I think perhaps my best gift to students is that of encouraging them to explore beyond their comfort zone. I love the aspect of teaching and learning.”
Mrs. Beverly’s experiences outside of OVS, including the study of ballet for 10 years, make her a qualified choice for the job.
“I’ve always had a passion for art and creativity,” she stated. “I had a wonderful English teacher in high school who let me explore the songs of the Beatles as poetry when I was having difficulty expressing myself, and from there I fell in love with words. I also had a music and theater department full of teachers who constantly encouraged us to write our own works.”
While one son, Angus, graduated from OVS in 2010, her other son, senior Jack Beverly, remains very involved in most art programs. He has performed in many plays and skits staged at OVS, acted during talent shows, and even showed a more musical side during the “Utopia in America” by playing his ukulele.
“Having my mother [at] school is definitely a double edge sword,” Jack said with a laugh. “On one hand, I love having my mother around and being available even more than she already is. On the other hand, it can be awkward walking to class [and] hearing your mother yell at you to pull up your pants.”
Jack has also taken classes taught by Mrs. Beverly outside of OVS.
“I would certainly recommend my mother’s classes to anyone wanting to be creative,” Said Jack, who has collaborated on a number of projects with his mother. “I’ve been in at least 10 drama productions with her that she’s either produced or done costume design. She’s done a fantastic job in each one.”
Librarian Merilee Allen has spent a significant amount of time in the art room since Mrs. Beverly joined the faculty, becoming involved in certain projects and assisting Mrs. Beverly in organizing the art room. Ms. Allen believes that the changes in the appearance and atmosphere of the art department are going to benefit everyone who decides to flex their creative muscle.
“I believe that with our combined years of experience and knowledge, mine being in fine art, we have a lot to offer the students,” Ms. Allen said. “Mrs. Beverly spent hours this summer cleaning a room that had been neglected for many years. She tossed so much trash, and painted the walls white to reflect a fresh start. She moved book cases and created a room that is far more organized, fresh, bright and clean.”
Ms. Allen admires Mrs. Beverly’s passion in and dedication to the program.
“[Mrs. Beverly] arrives early and stays late,” Ms. Allen said. “She inspires and guides, pushes and hugs.”
Story by John Olivo, Class of 2014
Photos contributed by Min Ung Choi, Class of 2014